Latest news with #Braxton
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Anthony Braxton: Quartet (England) 1985 review
Sometime in the 1980s, Anthony Braxton left this 3am announcement on his record producer's answerphone: 'Leo Feigin, I'm telling you, our children will be dancing to my music! Bye bye.' At that moment, the awesomely virtuosic and intellectually formidable multi-reeds improviser and composer had probably heard one too many carps from traditionalists that his ideas were too cerebral and unswinging for jazz. Now 80, Braxton's cross-genre visions have since fascinated jazz bands, symphony orchestras, opera and experimental modern-dance companies, and the influential imaginations of younger admirers including John Zorn and Mary Halvorson. Feigin's Leo Records label, and Switzerland's Intakt, have kept the immense resource of his influence simmering for years. Now the enterprising Burning Ambulance Music (which has also brought much of the now-retired Feigin's invaluable Leo Records catalogue to Bandcamp) releases Quartet (England) 1985, catching the sound of one of Braxton's most skilfully intuitive groups on that year's UK tour. Salvaged by state-of-the-art tech methods from former Wire magazine writer and Braxton chronicler Graham Lock's original lo-fi cassette recordings, the set celebrates Braxton's conviction that triggering loose improv through tightly challenging compositions can mirror the everyday flux of living. On the Sheffield gig, Braxton's alto sax (the constructions of Charlie Parker, Warne Marsh, John Coltrane and many more fly by) over jostling four-note patterns takes off into flying avant-bebop. Leicester's show similarly launches on stop-start bop-reminiscent figures that stretch into free-collective passages powered by bassist Mark Dresser's pizzicato and bowing skills, drummer Gerry Hemingway's muscularity and mercurial pianist Marilyn Crispell's cauldron of delicacy and Cecil Taylor-esque intensity. The Bristol takes emphasise that the audio quality of quieter subgroups survives better than the band's full-on jams, but the brief soundchecks on standard songs are enchanting, and Lock's notes on Braxton's methods are essential reading. Pianist Fred Hersch (an early teacher of Brad Mehldau) has long been one of jazz's undercover maestros. Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans are his guides, but almost everything he plays sounds fresh. The Surrounding Green (ECM) shares originals and covers with bassist Drew Gress and drummer Joey Baron – including a spirited account of Ornette Coleman's Law Years and pieces by Egberto Gismonti, Charlie Haden and the Gershwins. Shifa (Discus Music) joins the quirky and inquisitive UK tenor saxophonist Rachel Musson with eclectic pianist Pat Thomas and free-jazz drummer Mark Sanders on a straight-through improv set showcasing Musson's free-blowing ensemble power and spacious lyricism. And French-Martinican pianist Tony Tixier's Poems Never End (Whirlwind) takes a seductively global-jazz slant on a hip original repertoire plus Work by Monk, in which his sharp trio is augmented by saxophonists Seamus Blake and Logan Richardson, plus a guest appearance from Miles Davis percussion legend Mino Cinélu.
Black America Web
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Tamar Braxton Talks Music, Growth, & New Beginnings at Urban 1 Summit
Source: R1 Digital / R1 Tamar Braxton stopped through the Urban 1 Summit, shared insights into her latest projects, personal evolution, and reflections on her prolific career. The singer and reality TV icon didn't hold back, offering a rare glimpse into her music and brought it to global audiences. Reflecting on her career, Braxton teased fans with news of her upcoming project. Partnering with longtime collaborator Tricky Stewart, she revealed, 'We created an amazing body of work that feels like if I could call it Love and War II, I would. But I'm not telling you the name just yet.' While music remains her focal point, Tamar shared how her personal growth has shaped her artistry. 'I'm in a new era of my life,' she said. 'I'm doing a lot more listening, a lot more growing, and I'm enjoying this phase.' READ MORE STORIES: Faith, Fitness, and Afrobeats: Kirk Franklin's New Chapter Mya Talks New Music, Career, and Future Projects at the Urban 1 Summit Bankroll Ni Talks Music, Hustle, and Inspiration at the Urban 1 Summit Her candid spirit extended to sharing life lessons. When asked about spotting red flags, she didn't shy away. 'People doing too much—it's always a cover-up,' she quipped, offering a knowing nod. Braxton closed the conversation with a heartfelt reflection on her impact. 'I want people to know I'm just like everybody else—a girl's girl here to live, learn, and grow.' With charm and candor, Tamar Braxton proved once again why she's a force to be reckoned with. Her voice—bold, unfiltered, and unapologetically real—continues to resonate deeply with fans worldwide. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK . FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER . SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE . STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! HEAD TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO
Sky News AU
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
TV presenter Abbey Holmes to return to Seven's AFL coverage after welcoming first son via C-section just seven weeks ago
Abbey Holmes has declared she will return to Channel Seven's AFL coverage after giving birth to her first son via C-section just seven weeks ago. The network's football commentator, 34, broke the news in a statement via the network on Thursday, saying she will step back into her role two days per week with the support of her husband, Keegan Brooksby, and family. Holmes will make her return on the evening of Round 20 on July 25, where Essendon and the Western Bulldogs will clash at Marvel Stadium. 'I feel incredibly lucky to step back into a job I love, while also soaking up the joy of being a mum,' she said. 'It's the perfect balance, and I'm so grateful for the support from both my family and my work family to get me back doing what I love. 'Coming back to work fills me with so much excitement." It comes after Holmes and Brooksby, a former AFL player for the Hawks, announced the arrival of their son, Braxton, five weeks ago in June, via an unexpected C-section, alongside a sweet carousel of photos of the baby. Holmes has covered AFL and AFLW for Seven since 2018, following her own football career playing for AFLW's Adelaide Football Club, with the side having defeated Brisbane in the 2017 Grand Final by six points. In her wide-ranging statement, she said she missed "the team, the buzz, and being part of the action" of the sport while on maternity leave. And while acknowledging time at home soaking up life as a new mum has been special, she is looking forward to Brax seeing "his mumma in action." The popular presenter said she watched "so much footy" after Braxton's birth, adding "it's the best feeling" and she "couldn't be more ready" to get back among the sport while also still having the time to be a mum. At the same time, Holmes took to Instagram to further champion her return to work alongside a photo of herself holding a Channel 7 microphone while looking glamorous and flashing her smile on the field. "See you next week xx," she wrote in the caption. Fans of the presenter took to the comments to congratulate Holmes on her career move, the news being met with resounding applause. "Excellent news…You truly are the best in the business…it's always evident how much the players and coaches respect you," one person said. "Super mumma, good on you and of course we AFL fans missed you!" said another. A third person said: "Yay, this is amazing news! Get it, mumma," while another added: "The Queen is back." The former AFL star earlier in the year revealed she learned she was pregnant shortly after running the New York Marathon last November. "As you can imagine, it was a bit of a shock given what I had just put my body through, but I'm in awe of what the human body can do," she said. Holmes said she and Keegan "could not be happier to welcome our first child into the world, later this year." "We are so excited and grateful to be in this position, as we know how difficult it can be for so many people. "We're on cloud nine and can't wait for this next chapter."
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Footy star Abbey Holmes makes a stunning decision about her TV career just seven weeks after giving birth to her first child
Popular football commentator Abbey Holmes has decided to return to work commentating on the AFL for Channel Seven less than two months after giving birth to her son Braxton. The 34-year-old proud mum has opened up about resuming her role with the broadcaster, working just two days per week while also taking care of her baby at home. Her first match back will be on July 25 when Essendon take on the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium. 'I feel incredibly lucky to step back into a job I love, while also soaking up the joy of being a mum,' Holmes said. 'It's the perfect balance, and I'm so grateful for the support from both my family and my work family to get me back doing what I love. 'Coming back to work fills me with so much excitement. 'I've missed the team, the buzz, and being part of the action. I'm ready to hit the ground running next Friday night at Marvel Stadium and can't wait for little Brax to see his mumma in action. 'It's been such a special time at home with Braxton and Keegan and I feel so lucky to be able to go back to a job that I love and come home to our family.' Holmes, who is married to ex-footy star Keegan Brooksby, revealed last month that her son's birth did not go to plan and she required an emergency C-section. The fan favourite will travel for footy over the next few weeks and also appear at the Logies with Seven. 'I've been watching so much footy and now I'm rapt to be back in the thick of it,' Holmes said. 'I'm so thankful to the amazing team at Seven who made it easy for me to take the time I needed, and who've welcomed me back with open arms. 'It's the best feeling to know I can have both – a career I love and precious time with my family. 'Being a mum has changed me in the most incredible ways, but one thing that hasn't changed is my passion for my career and the game. I couldn't be more ready to be back.' The former footballer revealed earlier in the year that she discovered she was pregnant after running the New York Marathon in November. 'As you can imagine, it was a bit of a shock given what I had just put my body through, but I'm in awe of what the human body can do,' she said. Nevertheless, Abbey said at the time that she and Keegan 'could not be happier to welcome our first child into the world, later this year'. 'We are so excited and grateful to be in this position, as we know how difficult it can be for so many people. We're on cloud nine and can't wait for this next chapter.'
West Australian
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Beloved 7AFL commentator Abbey Holmes to return to Seven's AFL coverage after welcoming son Braxton
Much-loved commenter Abbey Holmes will return to host Seven's AFL coverage just weeks after she welcomed the birth of her baby boy Braxton. Holmes will return to the screen for the Round 20 Friday night clash between Essendon and Western Bulldogs on July 25. The former AFLW star celebrated the birth of her first child, Braxton John Brooksby, on June 11 and said she can't wait to get back into the heat of the action. 'I feel incredibly lucky to step back into a job I love, while also soaking up the joy of being a mum. It's the perfect balance, and I'm so grateful for the support from both my family and my work family to get me back doing what I love,' she said. 'Coming back to work fills me with so much excitement. I've missed the team, the buzz, and being part of the action, I'm ready to hit the ground running next Friday night at Marvel Stadium and can't wait for little Brax to see his mumma in action. 'It's been such a special time at home with Braxton and Keegan and I feel so lucky to be able to go back to a job that I love and come home to our family. I've been watching so much footy and now I'm rapt to be back in the thick of it.' Holmes will be returning part-time, resuming her role of leading Seven's Friday and Sunday afternoon coverage while balancing her time with her new family. 'I'm so thankful to the amazing team at Seven who made it easy for me to take the time I needed, and who've welcomed me back with open arms,' she said. 'It's the best feeling to know I can have both – a career I love and precious time with my family. 'Being a mum has changed me in the most incredible ways, but one thing that hasn't changed is my passion for my career and the game. I couldn't be more ready to be back.'
